Denise Imperiale's Blog – February 2009 Archive (11)

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 27, 2009

Today is a day I will never forget. I was on my weekly Eucharistic Minister visit, sitting among five old Italians (I'm Italian too) and I got the call that I passed my test.

I burst into tears.

I thank everyone for believing in me.

PS I will always be a rookie firefighter.

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 27, 2009 at 6:19pm — 6 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 26, 2009

My friend got her test results today and she failed the test for the second time. I am so sad for her. I didn't find out my results yet and am having a panic attack.

Did you ever see the Secret? Read the Secret book? I've been trying desparately to believe I'll pass, believe I'll get a job, believe the stuff with my daughter will get better. I am trying fervently, I mean fervently to keep the faith.

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 26, 2009 at 7:00pm — 5 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 26, 2009

Here it is almost a month after I took the state test for Firefighter 1 for the second time. I heard I have to wait about 2 more weeks to get my results. I sometimes forget about that, I've been doing this for a year and a half now. I like to volunteer, and last night was the recording secretary for the officers' meeting, and am on our 100th anniversary committee.

Tonight I went to an OEM meeting. I joined the… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 25, 2009 at 9:48pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

I just took a deep breathe before I started typing this blog post. Today I did go to court, and to see your child brought in a court room with shackles is something I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.

God was good though, and the judge fair and kind. Detention or a residential treatment program. She picked residential treatment, although she will have to stay in the detention center for awhile to get it going. Hopefully no more than a month.

Just wanted everyone to know.… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 23, 2009 at 6:30pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 22, 2009

Forgive me for writing a post that has nothing to do with firefighting. It has to do with drama and decisions.

My family is in crisis. Crisis over what has happened to our lives for two years of drugs and mood/bipolar. This past week, my 15 year old couldn't take the stress anymore and I had to bring him to the hospital. He told me he was feeling unsafe. As someone who doesn't open up very often, I took this rather… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 22, 2009 at 8:30pm — 5 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 19, 2009

A few nights ago I got to try the thermal imaging camera. When you go to the Academy, they mention the camera when you hit the chapter in the book but the only way you get to try certain pieces of equipment is in the firehouse or at a scene. At a scene is not necessarily the best way to learn something but if it's not busy, it's a good way you can pick up some practical knowledge.

I was lucky enough to be with a volunteer… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 19, 2009 at 9:27am — 6 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 16, 2009

A week in the life of Denise Broesler, Rookie Firefighter, RE/MAX agent and humanitarian.

People ask me when do I plan to consistently write on this blog. Writing this column has become a very safe outlet for me, and since I haven't publicized it to more than firefighters and EMS workers, I know what I say will not be admonished nor ignored.

After all the months it has taken me to get my daughter to the proper… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 16, 2009 at 1:37pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 11, 2009

I woke up excited today. Despite all my drama surrounding my life, I had something different to do. Today I joined the Morris Township Office of Emergency Management. My study buddy told me about it, and I thought it sounded intriguing and complimented the fire department.

Tonight I got motioned in and right before it we were setting up for the big Valentine Day roses sale at Hillside Hose Company. Many people at the… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 11, 2009 at 11:10pm — 1 Comment

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 5, 2009

Today was the big day. It was my graduation from the Morris County Training Academy. I saw everyone from my class, as well as the guys from the class I had to stop during the summer (the full-time class). I can't describe the feelings I had sitting next to my Chief… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 5, 2009 at 10:17pm — 6 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 3, 2009

Today I was called in on short notice to take my Firefighter 1 exam again. I was monitored by a great instructor, Tom G., who told me since I am such a faithful person I needed to have faith in myself. I have been so lucky to have the teachers at the Academy helping me along the way, pushing me despite all my insecurities.

I used a pencil I've owned for 17 years. I found it by chance in a drawer today. It had Resolve of… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 3, 2009 at 9:04pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 1, 2009

Usually when my blog is silent for awhile it means I have a lot of things happening with my daughter, and for those of you keeping up with what's happening, I want to tell you how successfully the planets lined up yesterday.

It started with Friday not being a good day, and the end of a very long week. I so feel like I am in this all alone, and still have not taken that step to join a support group or other group to try to… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 1, 2009 at 8:56am — No Comments